Travellers ‘sold dogs in roasting car park’
THE council are investigating claims travellers were selling dogs left without water or shade in a Morrisons car park.
Several readers contacted the Visiter, claiming that puppies were being sold outside the Southport supermarket.
One reader said: “Puppies were being sold in the town on Saturday and Sunday.”
One witness, who doesn’t want to be named, claimed the dogs “were left in the heat with no water”.
They said: “They were being sold by travellers, there were around four adult dogs tied to trees, some under the caravans and some newborn puppies in crates.
“I could hear them crying and barking, they were there all day in the heat.”
One witness claimed they could hear the dogs “barking and crying”.
“One of my friends managed to go down on Saturday night and buy one for £150, we wanted to get more but we managed to buy just one.
“He was a boy, she was told they wouldn’t sell the females because they bred from them.”
Rob Alexander, the store manager of Morrisons in Southport, who was working on Saturday, confirmed that travellers were on the car park.
A spokesperson for Morrisons added: “We contacted the RSPCA and it is in their hands. The travellers have now moved on.”
Residents also reported the alleged dog sales to Sefton Council and Merseyside police.
A council spokesperson said: “We have been made aware of this and are looking into the matters raised.”
Following the reports, the RSPCA is reminding people about the importance of doing research and using the “Puppy Contract” if they want a dog.
Dr Sam Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animals department, said: “We would urge anyone thinking of getting a dog to first consider rescuing a dog from the RSPCA – there are lots of dogs of all shapes and sizes.
“But if buying a puppy is the right option, please use the Puppy Contract to help you responsibly source and buy a happy, healthy puppy.”
RSCA says that the Puppy Contract has been developed to empower puppy buyers and help them to avoid the problems that can arise from buying a puppy from an irresponsible breeder.
A spokesperson for the charity added: “Good breeding and care can help ensure puppies and their parents have happy and healthy lives. Irresponsible breeding and poor care can cause health and behavioural problems in puppies and stress and expense for owners.
“Puppy buyers can use the information provided by the breeder or seller to make a decision on whether they want to buy the puppy they have seen.
“If you have concerns about puppy selling we would advise you contact your local trading standards department.
“The RSPCA will assist when necessary and if there is a welfare issue.”
The Visiter attempted to contact the travellers but they have since moved from the store.